RHS Garden Bridgewater

The 2021 opening of this new 154-acre garden was greeted with much excitement and long queues, and rightly so. Once a derelict and overgrown site, it’s now a major visitor attraction with plenty to offer all year round. 

The Welcome Building is home to a well-stocked garden centre, gift shop, and a cafe serving local produce. It gets busy but there are other food and drink options further into the garden including mobile coffee trucks and the Garden Cottage Cafe.

To get the latter, it’s a beautiful meander through the Weston Walled Garden, one of the original features from the days when this was the grounds of a stately home. Other highlights include the Chinese Streamside Garden, and the striking displays of flowers in the Worsley Welcome Garden. Repeat visitors will enjoy watching the plans and plants come to life as the seasons pass.

The paths are largely flat, making it ideal for people with limited mobility. There are also lots of peaceful spots to sit and wonder. Those who want a longer walk can explore Middle Wood and Victoria Meadow.

The woodland adventure play area will keep the kids busy with its mud kitchens, Hobbit houses, and low ropes course. Visit in the school holidays and there’ll be special events for families. 

There are also craft and gardening workshops for those who’ve been inspired to create their own little patch of paradise at home.

Entry is free for Salford residents every Tuesday until 18 May 2023.